Figuring out the difference between cold brew and iced coffee is a rite of passage for any coffee lover (we’ve been there, too). Sure, they might both look like cool, refreshing cousins in a café lineup, but each one has its own unique personality and a well-deserved place on the menu.

So, without further ado, here is a basic guide covering the foundational differences between cold brew and iced coffee.

Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee

Sure, cold brew differs from iced coffee, but it's how those differences percolate that delivers the creativity and craft behind each sip. Let's take a closer look.

What is Cold Brew?

For starters, cold brew isn't actually brewed—it's steeped. In this case, coarse coffee grounds are soaked in cold water for about 16 hours in a refrigerator before being filtered. We don't use warm water in this instance because we want to maintain certain compounds within the coffee grounds that might be extracted using warm water.

The result? A smoother, less acidic taste and longer shelf-life.

Recommended blend for cold brew at home: Guatemala El Injerto Bourbon

What is Iced Coffee?

Iced coffee takes a different route. Instead of a long, cool soak, hot coffee is brewed the classic way, then chilled down and poured over ice. This quick process keeps the brighter, more acidic notes front and center. To avoid a watered-down sip, it’s often brewed double-strength, so you still get that bold, familiar drip flavor, just served refreshingly cold.

Recommended blend for iced coffee at home: Hair Bender

Caffeine Levels In Cold Brew and Iced Coffee

Caffeine is where things really start to split between these two chilled favorites. Bean type, brew strength, and even water dilution all play a part, but the real game-changer? How the coffee’s made.

Cold Brew:

Slow and steady wins the caffeine race. Those long, cool hours of steeping give the beans plenty of time to release their punch.

• A longer steeping period provides the caffeine plenty of time to extract from the bean.
• Cold brew also tends to have more caffeine per ounce compared to iced coffee.
• The Stumptown cold brew you see in the grocery store, like the Stubby, has about 257 mg of caffeine per bottle. Ditto for at-home batches. 

Iced Coffee:

Brewed hot, chilled fast, and ready to refresh.

• Depending on bean type and brew strength, iced coffee has between 120 and 180 mg of caffeine.
• If you’re after something bright, crisp, immediate, and refreshing with some pep, iced coffee’s your summertime hero.

The Taste Differences Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee

Flavor is personal, but knowing what sets these two apart makes sipping even more fun. Here’s the quick lowdown.

Cold Brew Flavoring:

• Smooth, mellow, and often chocolatey or berry notes, depending on the bean.
• Lower acidity and bitterness thanks to its long, cool steep.
• Slow brewing coaxes out sweet, rounded flavors that go down easily.
• Bold yet effortless - like a laid-back coffee hug.

Iced Coffee Flavoring:

• Bright, crisp, with that classic coffee tang.
• Hot water brewing wakes up the aromatic, acidic notes you know from your morning cup.
• Not as sweet or smooth as cold brew, but brings a lively, refreshing kick.
• Basically, your trusty drip coffee, just on ice.

How Acidity Comes Into Play

This is where cold brew and iced coffee really take different paths.

Because cold brew skips the heat, it pulls out fewer acidic compounds from the beans. The payoff? A smoother, gentler cup that’s kind to your taste buds. On the flip side, iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled down, so it keeps those bright acids and aromatic flavors that give it that zesty kick.

Why This Chill Coffee Chat Matters

Not all cold coffees are created equal. Some days you’ll want the smooth, mellow vibes of cold brew, easy on acidity and easy to sip. Other days, you might crave the bright, lively zing that only iced coffee can deliver. At the end of the day, it’s all about what tastes good to you, how much time you have, and how you like to enjoy your coffee at home.

Keep in mind: pouring hot coffee over ice can dilute some of the bean’s natural sweetness and clarity. Cold brew, on the other hand, can be made ahead and stored for longer, which is great if you’re always on the move or love having ready-to-go options.

So, if you want fruity and bright cold brew, try an African origin like Ethiopia Suke Quto. Craving a smooth, chocolaty profile for milk? Go with Guatemala El Injerto Bourbon. For iced coffee, try a lighter roast like Homestead. Or if you want to make life easier, simply stock up on pre-made cold brew designed for on-the-go lifestyles. 

We’re also happy to take the wheel by curating a coffee subscription tailored to your preferences and budget.